Ever watched cricket and wondered what the umpire is doing with their hands? Each gesture means something specific. Here's every signal you need to know.
Four: Umpire waves one arm side to side. The ball crossed the boundary after bouncing.
Six: Both arms raised straight above the head. The ball sailed over the boundary without bouncing. The crowd goes wild.
Leg bye: Umpire taps their raised knee. The ball hit the batsman's body (not bat) and runs were taken.
Bye: One arm raised high. The ball passed the batsman without hitting anything and the batsmen ran.
Wide: Both arms stretched horizontally. The ball was too far from the batsman to play a normal shot. One extra run added.
No-ball: One arm extended horizontally at shoulder height. The bowler overstepped the crease. One extra run plus a free hit in T20s and ODIs.
Dead ball: Arms crossed below the waist. The ball is no longer in play — could be for many reasons.
Out: One index finger raised. The most dramatic signal in cricket. The batsman has to walk.
Not out: The umpire shakes their head. The bowler and fielders are disappointed.
TV shape: The umpire draws a rectangle in the air with both hands. This means the decision has been referred to the third umpire for review.
Try Sport God AI live
Live scores, AI predictions, and fantasy — free during IPL 2026.